Otávio Nottingham Forest transfer plans were once close to completion before Financial Fair Play restrictions brought the move to a sudden halt, according to the defender himself.
The Brazilian centre-back has revealed that Nottingham Forest were the Premier League club pushing hardest to sign him while he was preparing to leave Flamengo, but the deal collapsed due to growing concerns over Financial Fair Play regulations.
Otávio explains why Nottingham Forest deal collapsed
Speaking in an interview relayed by Sport Witness, Otávio confirmed that Forest had already invested heavily in new players at the time and feared potential sanctions if they pushed ahead with another signing.
“There was another proposal, but I think the club had already signed many players at the time, which was Nottingham Forest,” Otávio explained. “If they signed one more, they could lose points because of financial fair play.”
The admission sheds fresh light on Forest’s recruitment strategy and how PSR regulations now shape transfer decisions across the Premier League.
Premier League dream blocked by FFP limits
The Otávio Nottingham Forest transfer was viewed by the player as a major step forward. The Premier League opportunity appealed strongly, but uncertainty surrounding compliance forced Forest to step back.
Forest’s cautious stance reflects a wider trend among English clubs, particularly those who have faced scrutiny under the league’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.
The Brazilian admitted he was disappointed, revealing that England was his first choice before circumstances changed. I wanted the Premier League,” he said. “But Porto were more certain, and it’s a very big club.”
FC Porto move reshaped Otávio’s career
With the Nottingham Forest route closed, Otávio accepted a move to FC Porto, a decision that ultimately reshaped his trajectory.
At Porto, the defender secured regular football, Champions League exposure and continental recognition, development he admits was crucial after a turbulent period in Brazil.
That platform eventually helped him secure his current role in Europe, proving that the failed Nottingham Forest transfer did not derail his ambitions.
Forest supporters may recall similar recruitment frustrations when the club was navigating strict financial margins, including recent links involving new attacking targets and ongoing uncertainty surrounding Dan Ndoye’s future.
Paris FC chapter and lingering Forest interest
Now turning out for Paris FC, Otávio has returned to prominence. His recent performances, including an eye-catching French Cup victory over Paris Saint-Germain, have reinforced his belief that French football offers physical demands similar to England.
Despite signing a long-term deal running until 2030, the defender made it clear that the Nottingham Forest move remains a “what-if” moment in his career.
FFP reality reshapes Nottingham Forest strategy
The failed Otávio Nottingham Forest transfer highlights how Financial Fair Play continues to redefine the market, particularly for ambitious clubs operating close to regulatory thresholds.
Forest have already adjusted their approach in recent windows, with links to players like Kostas Tsimikas showing greater emphasis on loan deals and structured payments.
For Otávio, the missed move may yet reopen in the future, but for now it stands as a reminder of how off-field rules can shape on-field careers.
